TED Health Interview: The razor-thin line between contagion and connection | Dan Taberski
Jul 22, 2025
Dan Taberski, a documentary podcaster known for 'Missing Richard Simmons' and 'Running from Cops', investigates a peculiar outbreak of tics in a New York high school. He reveals how mass hysteria intertwines with collective anxiety, illustrating the thin line between contagion and connection. Through personal stories and intimate interviews, Taberski explores societal pressures and the role of empathy in healthcare. He also discusses his research on Havana Syndrome, drawing parallels between illness narratives and the need for supportive communities.
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Leroy High School Tic Outbreak
- In Leroy, New York, a sudden outbreak of Tourette's-like symptoms affected 19 high school girls.
- The symptoms spread rapidly among connected students, sparking investigations and theories about causes.
Mass Psychogenic Illness Explained
- Mass psychogenic illness causes real physical symptoms without organic causes and spreads through social connections.
- Stress and trauma often underlie susceptibility, showing how illness and social belonging intertwine.
Connection Through Shared Symptoms
- Rose, a girl with Tourette's since age three, suffered worsened tics due to others' symptoms in school.
- At Tourette's camp, shared symptoms create a powerful, positive connection among participants.